Diner

This writer has always had a penchant for eating in diners, not just because they are often a source of good standard food, but because of the uniqueness of atmosphere and clientele offered.

Downtown White Plains suffers from the lack of a significant landmark diner that could define the changing character of the area, though there is certainly no dearth of eating places to select from. Within this context, one immediately is reminded of the White Plains Coach Diner across from the Westchester Mall on Westchester Avenue. While this diner is certainly eye catching, it is located on the periphery of the downtown area, and not at the throbbing heart of the city.

White Plains is seeking to transform itself from just a business center to a metropolis that serves a dual role: entertainment as well as business. Busy patrons want expediency - ready access to good food that is reasonably priced, whether they be office workers on lunch break, or revelers attending the cinema at the City Center. Including the aforementioned Coach, there are four places worth mentioning that call themselves "diners," one of them centrally located, Splendid Coffee House, at the corner of Quarroppolos Street and Mamaroneck Avenue. Splendid features a counter adorned with appetizing looking muffins and baked sweets, and tables for sit-down meals. This restaurant caters to the breakfast and lunchtime crowd primarily, not theatregoers or moviegoers in the evening.

Over on East Post Road, near the White Plains Hospital, sits The Star Diner, appearing outwardly in nondescript fashion. One feels that he is visiting a virtual hole in the wall when approaching Star. But as the clich?© goes, looks are deceiving. The place harkens back 70 years, to another era when simplicity, not elegance, was the defining theme. Upon entering, one is struck by the smallness and compactness of the place. Everyone sits close to one another by necessity, either at the counter, or at the limited number of tables available. This can invite either conviviality or irritation with the noise level due to the confinement. Medical personnel from the Hospital frequent the place as well as people from a broad stratum of life, including the Mayor. Their menu features traditional American favorites, such as burgers and fries or hot roast turkey at reasonable prices. Noteworthy however, are their delicious soups. In particular, my palette has yearned for and been sated by their version of Yankee bean soup served on Wednesdays and split pea soup on Thursdays. The creamy texture of these soups along with the other ingredients provides an irresistible attraction. Star will doubtless survive as an enduring landmark in the midst of change, and deservingly so.

Lastly, we have The City Diner, located on Mamaroneck Avenue near the merge with Bloomingdale Road. City Diner appears almost obscured amongst a row of storefronts. This may critically affect its success. Under new management, one is greeted amicably enough when sitting at the counter. Perhaps 10 or 12 tables are available. They serve traditional American cuisine, doing a brisk lunchtime business. The restaurant is open in the evening, but a couple of early evening visits revealed a slow and quiet pace.